IT notes.
Texas Football practices on Friday so Steve Sarkisian could allow his program to have the holiday weekend off. That through our schedule off just a hair while we were awaiting information stemming from practice No. 6.
Overall practice was good with a lot more "live" periods than they were running in the first five practices. That meant there was plenty of tackling. Tackling is always weird because you want to keep guys up as much as you can. "They hadn't really tackled since January." Tackling was rusty with lots of missed tackles, though that will be ironed out with some focus on fundamentals.
They worked on red zone with Sark going against PK on the headsets. Offense one on both ends, one with the 1s and 2s and the other with the 3s and 4s. (Not sure who the coaches were on the 3s and 4s side of the field)
Overall it was an active, good energy, just have to tighten up tackling but that happens everywhere. Back to fundamentals.
This is almost entirely sourced even the non-quoted parts.
Quarterback
Confidence. The amount of reps that Quinn Ewers has gotten and his overall experience has led to confidence in himself and in the offense. He knows what to do and what everyone else is supposed to do. He's not "thinking," playing is becoming second nature.
Competitive room. Quinn can't afford to have bad days because Arch is right behind him.
Running Back
A lot of energy with Choice, a lot of speed and talent. There's not a 'set guy' like Bijan. Competitive between CR4 and Blue but even the young freshman are good and more ready to play. Freshman aren't busting or missing assignments.
Tight End
The room lacks great depth but the first four are pretty good (Gunnar Helm, Juan Davis, Amari Niblack, Jordan Washington). "Washington isn't there yet but he will be, probably as soon as fall camp."
Spencer Shannon and Will Randle are coming along.
Offensive Line
"That room has a lot of experience. It's a mature group. They're doing a great job communicating."
Neto Umeozulu hasn't surpassed Hayden Conner. They've had Conner working at center.
The coaches really like their guards, including Neto and Cole Hutson.
Cam Williams is moving well, you can really see it on screen passes. He's quicker than he was a year ago.
Wide Receiver
Depth and talent is what stands out here.
Ryan Wingo had a big run on a reverse today, making some guys miss then diving for the pylon. The offense erupted in celebration after. Wingo is ahead of the curve athletically AND mentally.
Johntay Cook had a really good day.
Isaiah Bond had a 30-yard catch-and-run TD.
DeAndre Moore: "His routes are crisp" literal quote, ha ha. He's winning his one on ones and catching the ball well.
Matthew Golden is really quick and elusive but also has straight-line speed. Good in space. Has some savviness to him. "He can play all three positions."
Ryan Niblett still working on his route running but great straight-line speed. He's coming along but he's in a talented and deep room.
Aaron Butler had a good practice. Kid is naturally talented. He's flashing but still has a long way to go from a knowledge standpoint.
Edge
Similar to receiver, very deep, a lot of talent.
You have two guys (Barryn Sorrell, Ethan Burke) who know the defense very well and two guys who are damn good pass rushers (Trey Moore and Colins Simmons) and then people behind them who are hungry to get on the field. It's a really stacked group.
"Trey Moore is a natural football player with high football IQ. Everything comes quick to him, just truly understands the game. Practices hard and is a hard hitter."
Defensive Tackle
Coaches need to find more depth but encouragingly they're doing pretty well against run game.
"Need about 5-6 to be ready so more guys have to step up. Conditioning needs to improve. They have the talent they just need to keep coming along."
Alex January is learning but the first Spring is often difficulty, especially for the bigger players. "He's learning; he'll be good."
"Tia Savea is a hard worker, understands the defense. He has the want-to, always looking to improve."
Word is Jaray Bledsoe is improving, coming along with maturity, needs to keep coming along. He's not there yet but getting better.
Linebacker
Really good depth and good 3-man rotation. "I'd put Texas' three linebackers up against anyone's." That's from the same source who told us last August he thought UT had the best D-line in the country.
Lots of experience, in a good spot right now with the core group of the defense.
Liona Lefau is doing well, looks good physically, knows the defense well. Probably better football speed than 40 speed. Better football athlete than combine athlete.
"Tyanthony Smith is going to be really good. Hungry, runs to the ball, likes contact, will do what it takes to get on the field. Has gained weight but needs to gain more. He's going to be a beast."
CB / Star
Jaylon Guilbeau and Austin Jordan look really good. Not sure where Jahdae Barron is going to play. Three really good stars. "Terry Joseph is going to have some hard decisions to make in August."
Corners have a tough assignment covering Isaiah Bond every day but they're doing well. The corners have a better understanding of the defense, not finding themselves "watching" the quarterback as much.
Young CB's are coming along. Learning new stuff every day. The younger guys have the athleticism for the position.
Safety
The first three strings have a lot of depth.
Mukuba is looking really good, he'll play anywhere, S, Star, special teams. Yes, he's out there running around on ST's.
Jelani McDonald is coming along, still transitioning from Star to Safety but making strides. He'll be good with Spring ball and Austin practice before he plays under the lights.
The game has slowed down for Williams. He's understanding what the offense is trying to do. He's more comfortable beyond being in man coverage.
Filsaime and JJ-R are hungry, striking hard, making plays on balls.
Hungry group, competitive, good leadership in the room with Michael Taaffe and Mukuba.